It’s silver for Abu Dhabi!

It’s silver for Abu Dhabi!By M. A. Qudoos / KHALEEJ TIMES

ABU DHABI — Silver will be the iconic colour of Abu Dhabi from today.

The Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars (Trans AD) yesterday unveiled the design of the new taxi fleet, signalling the dawn of a new era of modernisation in Abu Dhabi.

Over 300 of the sleek new silver taxis will commence operation today, with another 800 on the capital’s streets and in Al Ain city and western region by the year end.

By the end of 2008, the majority of the 7,000 vehicles would be on the roads.

Speaking at the official launch at the Emirates Palace, Khaled Saleh Al Rashedi, General Manager of Trans AD, said: “It is only right that Abu Dhabi, as a dynamically developing global hotspot, should have a taxi fleet to match. The new fleet will have high standards in passenger comfort, safety and style, and we are confident that they will be immediately popular with both residents and visitors.”

The minimum fare will be raised from the current minimum Dh2 to Dh 2.60 for standard cars, and Dh3 for premium cars which will be clearly marked.

The fare per additional kilometre will be 65 fils for standard and 75 fils for premium class cars.

Al Rashedi also revealed details of the new taxi scheme: “Today is the result of a lengthy consultation process with key government stakeholders, operating franchisees, licence-holders and the public.

“The new fleet will be run by selected private franchisees, which will encourage high standards and give customers more choice. We are communicating with existing national taxi licence owners to educate what this means for them and what financial compensation they are going to receive.”

The selected operators are: Tawasul Transport; Arabia Taxi; Cars Taxi; Emirates Taxi; National Taxi; Q-Link Transport, and Al Ghazal Transport.

They will be regulated by the Centre for Regulation of Transport by Hire Cars, which also announced yesterday the change of its name to Trans AD and revealed its new corporate logo.

By the end of 2008, Trans AD will replace the majority of the existing public taxis.

The licence owners will be compensated on a monthly basis according to a scientifically endorsed rate.

Licence cancellation will only be applicable if the vehicle has been in operation for more than five years.

Taxi drivers also benefit from the new scheme, said Al Rashedi.

All taxi drivers will now be registered as private company employees, with an agreed optimum wage and additional benefits.

To qualify under the new scheme, drivers are required to hold a valid taxi driver permit upon successful completion of the certification process conducted by Emirates Driving Company which has been appointed by Trans AD.

To mark the historic occasion, a convoy of the new fleet paraded the city’s streets yesterday to showcase the emirate’s new icon.